BACK TO ALLOC: ORIGINAL DOMESTIC HOME FLOORING TILE
How
To
Install
ALLOC
Laminate
Flooring
Alloc Original Flooring is a high pressure laminate with a high density core and an impregnated sealed edge for maximum protection against chipping, indentation and moisture resistance. Allocs patented locking system allows for the planks to be precisely aligned and joined without using glue or installing pad.
Alloc Original Flooring is recommended for residential and light commercial areas. Alloc Original Flooring can be installed residentially in full bathrooms (instructions on page 6), below grade in basements, and over radiant heated floors (instructions on page 3).
Alloc Original Flooring must be conditioned. Cross stack UNOPENED BOXES in the room that the floor is to be installed for 48 hours prior to installation. Preferred room temperature is at least 60 degrees F and 45% relative humidity. Warning: Do not open cartons during conditioning, it may cause individual planks to absorb excess humidity in the air.
- Safety glasses, dust mask, (follow NIOSH recommendations)
- Measuring tape and square
- Table type power saw with dust collector, circular saw with 60 tooth carbide tipped blade or a power jig saw or hand saw.
- Hand saw or door jamb saw for door jambs
- Spacer blocks of plastic or wood 1/4" thick
- Pull Bar
- Check basement and concrete foundation to make sure they are dry and solid.
- Check vent openings in crawl space to make sure they are opened
- Check room temperature: 60-70 degrees F
- Check to make sure the ground in the crawl space is covered with 6-8 mil polyethylene
Acceptable Common Subfloors:
3/4 inch exterior plywood, 3/4 inch OSB board, concrete slab, existing wood, vinyl, ceramic floors, tile, particle board, terrazzo
Non - Acceptable Subfloors:
carpet, thick cushioned floors
Subfloors Must Be:
- Clean -swept clean and free of dirt, and grit.
- Level/Flat - 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span
- Structurally Sound - Nail or screw loose areas that squeak, replace damaged areas that are loose or have been damaged by moisture.
- Dry - Check moisture in the subfloor
Wood Subfloors:
Ensure that the boards of the subfloor are properly nailed, glued, or screwed to the supporting beams, so you do not have any squeaking or depressed areas. Patch if needed and fill depressed areas with floor leveling compounds, floor lining paper or felt. Raised areas should be sanded down. The subfloor should be level to within 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span.
Concrete Subfloors:
On concrete subfloors the following steps must be taken before proceeding. 1. All cracks and uneven areas must be filled before proceeding. 2. Apply a plastic moisture barrier foil over the whole floor area. Turn the foil up against the wall and overlap the foil joints a minimum of 8 inches and then tape the joints to form an intact barrier. (In the case of pier and beam installations, or if the wood subfloor is over a crawl space with exposed gravel or dirt, a plastic moisture barrier must be used.
Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber Tile or Sheet Subfloors:
Ensure that the above flooring is properly bonded to the subfloor. Patch if needed and fill depressed areas with a floor leveling compound, floor lining paper or felt. The subfloor should be level to within 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span. Warning: If the vinyl / resilient flooring contains asbestos backing do not remove or disturb without first seeking expert advice.
Important Note:
All sub - floors on or below grade should be covered with a plastic barrier foil (6 - 8 mil thick)
Sound Insulation can be improved by adding a plaster board or special insulation board or special underlay material to the subfloor. To ensure joint integrity Alloc has developed a set of specifications.
REQUIRED COMPRESSION RESISTANCE
OF UNDERLAYMENTS WITH ALLOC |
THICKNESS OF
UNDERLAYMENT |
25% COMPRESSION
LB. / SQ. INCH |
25% COMPRESSION
EQUIVALENT IN /INCH |
| 1/16" |
5.7 |
0.02 |
| 1/8" |
7.12 |
0.03 |
| 3/16" |
8.55 |
0.04 |
| 7/32" |
9.97 |
0.05 |
| 1/4" |
11.4 |
0.06 |
| 5/16" |
12.82 |
0.07 |
| 3/8" |
14.25 |
0.10 |
Acceptable Common Subfloors:
3/4 inch exterior plywood, 3/4 inch OSB board, concrete slab, existing wood, vinyl, ceramic floors, tile, terrazzo
Non - Acceptable Subfloors:
carpet, particle board, thick cushioned floors
Subfloors Must Be:
- Clean -swept clean and free of dirt, and grit.
- Level/Flat - 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span
- Structurally Sound - Nail or screw loose areas that squeak, replace damaged areas that are loose or have been damaged by moisture.
- Dry - Check moisture in the subfloor
Wood Subfloors:
Ensure that the boards of the subfloor are properly nailed, glued, or screwed to the supporting beams, so you do not have any squeaking or depressed areas. Patch if needed and fill depressed areas with floor leveling compounds, floor lining paper or felt. Raised areas should be sanded down. The subfloor should be level to within 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span.
Concrete Subfloors:
On concrete subfloors the following steps must be taken before proceeding. 1. All cracks and uneven areas must be filled before proceeding. 2. Apply a plastic moisture barrier foil over the whole floor area. Turn the foil up against the wall and overlap the foil joints a minimum of 8 inches and then tape the joints to form an intact barrier. (In the case of pier and beam installations, or if the wood subfloor is over a crawl space with exposed gravel or dirt, a plastic moisture barrier must be used.
Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber Tile or Sheet Subfloors:
Ensure that the above flooring is properly bonded to the subfloor. Patch if needed and fill depressed areas with a floor leveling compound, floor lining paper or felt. The subfloor should be level to within 3/16 inch over a 10 foot span. Warning: If the vinyl / resilient flooring contains asbestos backing do not remove or disturb without first seeking expert advice.
Important Note:
All sub - floors on or below grade should be covered with a plastic barrier foil (6 - 8 mil thick)
Radiant Heat
In case of cables or radiant heat in subfloors make sure they have been turned on 2 - 3 weeks prior to installation of your Alloc floor so that excess moisture has evaporated. The heating should be turned off at the time of installation, or if winter, should be set at about 65 degrees F two to three days after installation. You can increase the temperature to desired operating temperature (preferable step by step). Warning: Maximum Alloc floor surface temperature allowed is 80 degrees F (28 C) equivalent to 60 watts per square yard. Avoid excessive heat and cold under same plank.
Decide how you want to place the planks in the room. In a long narrow room many feel the floor looks better if the long sides of the plank are in the same direction as the long side of the room. Others feel the planks long side seams are less visible if they are parallel with the direction of the daylight or other light shining on the floor. Be sure you do not end up with too narrow a plank strip at the end (must be at least two inches wide). It may be more pleasing to cut the first and last rows so they are equal in width. If remolding, remove existing base and quarter round moldings carefully so you can re use them after the floor is installed. Although Alloc Original Flooring is a thin floor (3/8 inch thick) it may interfere with existing door jambs. Cut the door jambs with a hand saw or a jamb saw.
The floor planks are equipped with an aluminum interlocking system and have an attached underlayment so you need neither glue nor any underlayment material when installing Alloc (unless you want to increase sound insulation). Warning: The aluminum interlocking edge is pliable and should not be bent or dented. The edge is further designed to be dull and smooth to the touch but you should still exercise caution in handling it as burrs may occur. Warning: Alloc Original Flooring is a floating floor construction which means it is not fastened to the subfloor but is allowed to expand and contract as the humidity and moisture affects it. To allow for this movement you must allow 1/4 inch between the edges of the floor planks and all the walls as well as any island constructions, stairs, fireplaces, or other vertical obstructions.
Begin to lay the first row in a corner so you can connect the planks in both directions of its aluminum interlocking joints. Lay the first row across the floor and cut the last plank to fit. Then begin the second row starting with the cut off end from the first row (assuming it is at least a foot long). Be sure to stagger the end joints a minimum of 12 inches.
- The two sides of the plank that have the aluminum interlocking system also have a protruding fiberboard "tongue" sticking out from the edge above the aluminum.
- The other two sides of the plank have a groove made in their respective edge.
- Connect the length side first, by lining up the planks and angle the plank to be installed while pushing its groove over the tongue of the plank on the floor. Fold it down while pushing in.
- Observe that the distance between the end of the width side of the plank on the floor, and the width side of the plank to be installed should be about 1/8 inch.
- Then step on the installed plank with your left foot; with your right foot kick the plank to be connected into position. You can usually hear a "click or snap" as it locks. You can also push them together with your hands or tap them together using a plank piece and or a pull bar. This latter method works best if you simultaneously apply downward pressure on the plank to be connected. Thereby the built in tension which is part of the locking is neutralized and the planks go together with great ease.
- This neutralization of tension can also be accomplished by overlapping the planks tongues at the joint with the groove part of a small plank piece.
To disconnect the planks, unfold the long side first, then unfold upwards or slide the short side.
If the walls are very uneven, you have to adjust the first row by cutting it length wise to fit the shape of the wall. Warning: Do not forget the 1/4 inch distance to the wall. Ensure the best results by first putting down three rows and attain the mechanical alignment, then take up the first row (use a writing instrument and a distance block; run the block along the wall marking the plank with a line equal to the shape of the wall) and cut the planks along the line. Put the first plank row back in place by sliding the planks at an angle into row two.
Important Note: Expansion joints are required when installations are in areas greater than 2000 sq. ft. or over lengths over 45 feet.
Be attentive to staggering the ends of planks at least every 12 inchs in the adjacent rows to avoid clustering the end joints. The staggering of the ends should be random and not follow any repeat pattern.
Allocs aluminum edge is soft and cuts easily. The high density core is the harder resistance you meet in sawing Alloc Planks.
| Type Saw |
Alloc Plank Position |
Power Saw both
Circular & Jig Saw |
decorative side down cut aluminum first |
| Hand Saw |
decorative side up cut aluminum first |
Warning: When sawing wood products dust may be created. Airborne wood dust can be an explosive hazard and an irritant to eyes, skin and the respiratory system. Wood dust has further been classified the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a nasal carcinogen. It is therefore important to use dust collectors on power tools. Wear appropriate clothing and approved dust mask.
To install Alloc on a stairway, follow these steps:
- Take the underlayment off of the Alloc planks.
- Using a wood construction adhesive, attach Alloc to the step, the riser, and then the tread edge piece.
- Install a stair nose to each step, following the instructions given by the manufacturer. Counter sink screws in to the stair moldings and patch.
Install your Alloc flooring allowing for 1/4 inch space between the bath tub or shower and the flooring planks. Seal this 1/4 inch space with 100% Silicone Caulk (preferably in a shade similar to your flooring.) While the silicone is still wet, install a square nose molding against the tub or shower base. If a molding cannot be used, be certain to seal the space well with caulk.
Toilets
There are two ways of installing Alloc around a toilet:
- Remove the toilet and fit the flooring planks within 1/4" of the toilet mount. Caulk the 1/4" space with 100% silicon caulk. Attach the toilet and caulk to the floor with matching silicon.
- Cut and fit floor planks around the toilet, leaving a 1/4" space between the planks and the toilet. Fill this space with 100% silicone caulk.
Warning: Floating floors including Alloc should not be installed with a border plank because the length side of the plank expands significantly less that the width side of the plank. This can cause joint separation.
Important Note:
The distance between the last row and the wall must be greater than 2 inches. The starting row width must also be greater than 2 inches. No board length may be less the 12 inches.
When going through a doorway you can use the:
- Transition Method - put in a transition molding (e.g. T -Molding) and undercut the door jamb to fit. This is the ideal method for installing Alloc flooring which is not going to extend Alloc outside of a single room. This method allows for the Alloc to butt up against any other floor covering surface including itself by use of various transition pieces offered by the company. This method is necessary in some cases and saves work.
- Continuous Floor Method - undercut the door jamb a bit more than normal to give you space to slide in and connect. Use this method to go through a doorway to the next room or space without interrupting the pattern. See below for complete instructions:
Once the door is removed from the opening you may begin to install your floor as directed. When you are approaching the door way and the last row of flooring is to be applied against the wall on either side of the opening follow these steps:
Step 1. Undercut the door jamb by using a scrap piece of Alloc as a guide with the underlayment attached and cut the door jamb stop and trim by letting a jamb or hand saw ride on the top of the scrap plank. Remove the cut material. The gap between the floor and the frame should be 1/16 to 1/8 inches higher than the Alloc flooring.
Step 2. Cutting the plank to fit the door way opening.
Take a whole Alloc plank and carefully measure the doorway opening and mark the plank accordingly. (Remember to allow a 1/4" for expansion). Ideally the plank should be centered in the doorway, but depending on the location of the doorway with respect to the room dimensions this is not always possible. Therefore a plank may have to be moved to the right or left or even cut in length to fit the room or flooring layout. Once you have determined the plank location in the doorway, measure the distance between the previous row and the wall and mark the board. ( Remember to allow a 1/4" clearance from the wall). Now cut the board as per your measurements. Note: We are cutting on the Aluminum side which will be the side going into the doorway.
Step 3. Placing the cut plank in the doorjamb.
Install the last row of Alloc to the right or left of the door depending on the direction you are working. Place the door trimmed piece on top of the last row in front of the door. Make sure the cut out for the door faces the opening.
Kneel in the door opening and pull the trimmed piece under the frame into the doorway. One should pull the piece back far enough to expose the aluminum under the previous row. (Flush against the adjoining wall under the door trim.) Now push the cut piece up against the previous row and position on all sides centered in the opening. Using a pull bar between the wall and the cut piece, tap the Alloc plank into place starting at one end and working toward the other along the length. (Be careful as to not damage the tongue, groove or the aluminum with the pull bar.)
Once the long side has been secured in place then tap the short side into place using the same technique. Continue to install the remainder of the last row.
Step 4. Continuing through the doorway (flat floor)
If you wish to continue through the doorjamb, cut a similar piece inversely (the groove side will now protrude into the doorway). The door trim on the other side of the jamb entering the next room will now be undercut as in step 1. Repeat the same procedures as in step 2 and step 3. Ignore the part about the last row measurement, and slide the cut piece under the frame. Connect to the previous plank using the pull bar. Lay your first row into the next space using the plank at the door jamb as your starting point. Make sure that this first row is equal in width to the portion of the plank sticking out of the doorway.
Important Note: The distance between the last row and the wall must be greater than 2 inches. The starting row width must also be greater than 2 inches. No board length may be less than 12 inches.
The floor can be used as soon as installation is complete. You can even leave furniture in the room and move it side to side as you proceed.
When you put back the base moldings and quarter rounds be sure you cover the 1/4 inch space. All moldings should be attached to the wall; not to the floor.
- Use a power saw with a carbide tip blade to cut laminate wrapped moldings.
- Always position blade to cut down through the laminate surface.
- Measure twice; cut once
- Wear proper eye protection
Quarter Round - Allocs quarter round molding is primarily used to cover the 1/4 inch expansion that is left around stationary walls and objects that the Alloc floor will contact. Stair Nosing - Attach Stair nose to the front of the stair tread with construction type adhesive and then pre drill and nail to Stair tread. Use monotrack system to adhere moldings below. This system eliminates the need to nail. T - Molding - Use as a transition piece from wood, ceramic and laminate. Square Nose - Use as a transition piece to carpet, sliding glass doors. Reducer - Use as a transition from vinyl, ceramic tile and wood.
Easy to care for, just sweep or vacuum your Alloc floor periodically. When needed Alloc may be cleaned with a dry dust mop using a spray bottle cleaner such as Alloc Laminate Cleaner. Alloc Laminate Cleaner has an anti bacterial feature that offers you a healthier floor and also adds a fresh apple scent to your room. No further treatment of the surface is required. Do not use any floor polishes, detergents, soaps or waxes. The residue from such cleaners may be harmful to your Alloc Floor. Never use scouring pads or steel wool to your Alloc surface as damage may occur as a result. Spot Removal: Difficult stains such as ink, blood, shoe polish, or paint can be removed by applying to a clean white cloth a small amount of acetone or denatured alcohol and then blotting from the surface. Always use the safety procedures recommended by the manufacturers of these cleaners.
After installation, should you discover a squeak or other error in the installation (as well as if you have a damaged plank) you can after removing the relevant moldings (which then preferably have been screwed into the wall) remove the floors planks to reach the damaged plank by unfolding the floor from the starting point.
Warning: Planks should be folded up or slid out of their lock; never bent down against their lock.
It is a worthwhile consideration to install the floor so that the long side of the plank is facing the direction where the damage is most likely to occur (e.g. door-entry).
Remember to stack the planks facing the wall that have been cut in order for you to be able to return them to their respective positions with ease.
BACK TO ALLOC: ORIGINAL DOMESTIC HOME FLOORING TILE
